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Vermont EBT Card Balance 2022 update: Steps to Check Vermont EBT Card Balance

  – Vermont EBT Card Balance –

The Department for Children and Families of Vermont (DCF) implements the benefits of the Vermont Food Stamp, also known as 3SquaresVT. vermont ebt card balance

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Vermont EBT Card Balance: Steps to Check Vermont EBT Card Balance.

Below are a few steps to help you check your Vermont EBT card balance with ease.

The 3SquaresVT plan helps households bring safe, nutritious food to the table by supplying them with it. 3SquaresVT applies to households with low incomes who follow federal disability eligibility requirements.

If Vermont food help is accepted, they will deposit electronically the benefits on an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card.

The Vermont EBT card is identical to a regular ATM or debit card, also known as the Vermont Express Card. Every month, they will deposit food stamp benefits on your EBT Card the same day.

The Vermont EBT Card benefits can be available on your EBT Card account by 5 AM the morning after they are released. Benefits can make approved purchases of food at qualifying retail locations.

Many department stores in Vermont accept the Vermont Express Card as payment.

Vermont Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ( SNAP) are food purchasing aid recipients. For access, the SNAP benefits you must use an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card from Vermont Express. At most stores that sell food, you can use a Vermont Express card. In addition to other food money, you are using the SNAP benefits to buy more and better food.

Although, you will be eligible to have the payments transferred directly into your bank account if you are 65 or older or have a disability.

You can use the SNAP benefits on a Vermont Express card like cash if you don’t have a bank account.

What is the Vermont Express EBT Card?

  • The Vermont Express EBT Card is Vermont’s EBT card.
  • EBT = electronic benefits transfer.
  • EBT card = a card that looks and works like a debit or credit card but is loaded with food stamps and/or cash benefits. You can use it at stores that accept EBT.
  • The Vermont EBT card is how you’ll receive many of your benefits (food & cash) from the Economic Services Division. This includes benefits such as 3SquaresVT, Emergency Assistance, Essential Person, and Reach Up.
  • You’ll get the Vermont Express EBT Card once you’re approved for benefits.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Vermont and fall into one of two groups: (1) those with a current bank balance (savings and checks combined) of less than $2.001, or (2) those with a current bank balance (savings and checks combined) of less than $3.001 who share their household with a person or persons 60 years of age or over, or with a person with a disability.

To qualify, you must have an annual (before tax) household income that is below the following amounts:

Annual Household Income Limits (before taxes)
Household Size* Maximum Income Level (Per Year)
1 $23,606
2 $31,894
3 $40,182
4 $48,470
5 $56,758
6 $65,046
7 $73,334
8 $81,622

*For households with over eight people, add $8,288 per additional person. Always check with the managing agency to ensure the most accurate guidelines.

Vermont EBT Payment Schedule

Benefits are available on the first of every month. Once your benefits are deposited into your account, you can start using them with your Vermont EBT card to purchase eligible food items. 

Stores that Take EBT Online for Delivery

As you may know, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has started a pilot program (Online Purchasing Pilot).

To allow select grocery stores to accept EBT cards online for grocery shopping, including delivery to your doorstep.

We have approved the grocery stores listed below for the pilot that will offer the ability for EBT cardholders to buy food online for delivery.

Where can’t I use my Vermont EBT Card?

You cannot use your Vermont EBT Card at the following locations:

  • Casinos
  • Poker Rooms
  • Card Rooms
  • Smoke & Cannabis Shops
  • Adult Entertainment Businesses
  • Nightclubs/Saloons/Taverns
  • Tattoo & Piercing Shops
  • Spa/Massage Salons
  • Bingo Halls
  • Bail Bonds
  • Racetracks
  • Gun/Ammo Stores
  • Cruise Ships
  • Psychic Readers

Foods and Products not Eligible for Purchase with the Vermont EBT Card

  • Hot foods from deli/foods to be eaten in store
  • Vitamins or medication
  • Pet food
  • Paper or cleaning products
  • Alcohol/tobacco products.

For a full list of approved food items, see the Food Stamps Eligible Food List here.

How to Check your Vermont EBT Card Balance

How to Check your Vermont EBT Card Balance

There are three options for checking your Vermont QUEST Card balance. Here they are:

  • Option 1–Locate Your Last Purchase Receipt

One of the best ways to check the balance of your Vermont EBT card is to locate the most recent purchase receipt or ATM receipt (only for TANF receivers).

You’ll find the current balance at the bottom of the receipt on your account. In order to use this method to check your balance, be sure to save all of your recent Vermont Express Card receipts.

  • Option 2 – Check Your Express Card Balance Via Phone

Another choice is to test your card balance by calling 1-800-914-8605 to the Vermont EBT Card Customer Service Call no. Representatives are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help you get your Vermont Express Card balance back in.

Make sure your EBT Card number, 4-digit PIN, and Social Security Number (SSN) are ready before you call.

Type your sixteen (16) digit EBT card number after you call and you can hear your new food assistance or cash account balance (s).

To receive the details regarding your EBT card balance, you must include this information.

  • Option 3–Check Your Vermont EBT Card Balance Online

The last choice to check your balance on your Vermont EBT Card is online. The Vermont EBT Cardholder website helps you to find out your EBT Card balance online. Enter your User ID and Password while you’re on there.

To check your EBT balance, you need to sign in to your account.

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How Do I Dispute a Vermont EBT Card Transaction?

You have 90 calendar days to report an inaccurate food transaction charged to your EBT account.

Here’s how:

  1. Call 1-800-914-8605.
  2. They will process right away your claim
  3. If they approve your claim, they will add your benefits back on your card. Check your balance after 10 business days.
  4. If they deny your claim, you’ll get a denial letter in the mail. It will explain the reason for the denial and how to request a fair hearing to appeal the decision.

If we have to adjust the amount on your card because of an error we made, we’ll notify you about the change and your right to request a fair hearing to appeal it.

How Do I Buy Food and Items with my EBT Card?

How do I Buy Food and Items with my EBT Card?

Here’s how to use your EBT card to purchase food items:

At Participating Stores

  1. Know your balance before you go.
  2. Swipe your card through the Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal or hand it to the cashier.
  3. Select the account you want to be charged: FOOD or CASH.
  4. Enter your 4-digit PIN, then OK or ENTER.
  5. After the cashier enters the purchase amount, press YES if it’s correct.
  6. When the cashier gives you your receipt, make sure it’s right.
  7. Keep the receipt. It tells you how much is left in your account.

At Participating ATM Machines

  1. Know your balance before you go.
  2. Insert or swipe your card. Follow the instructions on the screen.
  3. Enter your 4-digit PIN, then OK or ENTER.
  4. Select WITHDRAW CASH and then CHECKING.
  5. Enter the amount you’d like in total dollar amounts (e.g., $20, $40, $60).
  6. Follow the instructions on the screen.
  7. Keep the receipt. It tells you how much is left in your account. You can also call 1-800-914-8605 to get your account balance.

At Participating Farmers’ Markets

  1. Visit the EBT/Debit stand at the market.
  2. Tell the person you want to use your EBT card and how much you want to spend.
  3. Swipe your card in the machine.
  4. Enter your PIN, then FOOD, or CASH.
  5. The person will give you wooden tokens you can use to buy products at the market: $1 tokens for FOOD and $5 tokens for CASH. The $1 tokens may only be used to buy food eligible under 3SquaresVT rules.
  6. Keep the receipt. It tells you how much is left in your account. You can also call 1-800-914-8605 to get your account balance.

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Vermont EBT Frequently Asked Questions

Here is a list of the most frequently asked questions about the Vermont EBT Card.

How Much will I Get On my EBT Card Each Month?

The amount of benefits you receive on your EBT Card each month is determined by your income and household size.

I Have Seen People Purchase Non-Food Items with an EBT Card. I Thought Snap was Only for Food?

Yes, the SNAP benefits are for food only. Some people have an EBT card for their TANF (cash help) benefits, however. You may use the TANF benefits to purchase food and non-food products.

Ask the local government Benefit Assistance office for clarification on eligibility for TANF.

Can I Have Someone Else Help me Shop Using my EBT Account?

Ask your local Vermont Food Stamps caseworker about setting up an Authorized Representative (AR). The AR will have a separate card with his or her own account number and PIN.

Furthermore, the EBT program will monitor which card is being used. The AR will be given access to all of your benefit account.

Can I Use my Vermont EBT Card In Other Counties and the Other States?

Your Vermont EBT card will operate at any store or ATM that accepts EBT cards in the United States, as well as the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam.

Furthermore, there are no rules against using your EBT card outside of your home state. However, you are expected to inform your local county public assistance office of any change of address.

If I don’t Use All The Benefits I Received This Month, Will These Benefits Still be Available to me Next Month?

Yes, benefits that are not used in the month issued will stay in the EBT account. You may use these benefits in the following months.

What Do I Do If I Suspect Someone Has Stolen Benefits From my EBT Card Account?

If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, immediately call the Vermont EBT Card Customer Service phone number at 1-800-914-8605.

A replacement card will be mailed to you upon reporting that your card has been lost, stolen, or damaged.

Replacement cards are to be received within three to five business days. You may also contact your nearest DCF caseworker or your county social services department.

Can I go to a Bank Teller and Withdraw Money from my EBT Account?

No, you may only withdraw money from an ATM or through a cash-back/cash-only withdrawal at a taking part store. Additionally, bank tellers do not have information or access to EBT accounts.

Are There Any Fees for Using my Vermont EBT Card?

There is never a charge for using your card to buy food. However, any Bank surcharges (if any) for using cash machines will be taken from your account.

Conclusion

We hope this article has been informative on how to test your Vermont EBT Card Balance. If so, by using the “Share this” button below, we invite you to share this article with anyone who might also find it helpful.

If you have any more questions about the Vermont Express EBT Card, please leave them in the comments section. However, we’re here to help!

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